New York City FC takes flight with Etihad Airways

New York City FC, the new Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise

13 Nov 2014 20:30

New York City FC, the new Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise, has announced a major partnership with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Abu
Dhabi-based airline becomes the Club’s Principal Partner which will see its branding
on all of the team’s playing jerseys. In conjunction
with the uniform sponsorship, Etihad Airways also becomes one of the Club’s
Founding Partners.

The
announcement was made in front of the Club’s fans as the historic first home
jersey, which is now available for pre-sale, was unveiled for the first time in
New York City.

Tim Pernetti,
Chief Business Officer of New York City FC and James Hogan, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, joined the Club’s first marquee player,
David Villa, at New York’s Terminal 5 venue for the announcement.

The five-year
deal is New York City FC’s most significant partnership to date and will see a substantial
presence for Etihad Airways’ brand across the team’s playing kits, on game days
at the Club’s first home, Yankee Stadium, and across its digital platforms.

The
wide-ranging partnership will also provide Etihad Airways with unique benefits such
as player appearances and access to the team’s training sessions.

Tim Pernetti said:
“This is a milestone day for New York City Football Club. Our first home jersey
is a huge part of our identity and we are proud that our kit and our team will
be so strongly associated with a partner of the caliber of Etihad Airways.

“Today will be
remembered as one of our most significant landmark moments as we build towards
our historic inaugural season, due to kick off this coming March.

“This is just
the first day of what we firmly believe will be a lasting and fruitful
relationship, both for New York City Football Club and for Etihad Airways. We
cannot wait to start working together to provide a fantastic experience for New
Yorkers.”

James Hogan
said: “Etihad Airways has a strong affinity with New York as it was the airline’s
first US destination to be launched in 2006. We are delighted to be able to
further strengthen our ties with the city through this partnership with New
York City Football Club.

“Etihad Airways
has a strong tradition of leading community-based activities and initiatives
with our sports partners. We look forward to continuing this with New York City
Football Club and its fans to promote the sport and the values such as
team-work, winning and the pursuit of excellence.”

The partnership
agreement develops the hugely successful relationship between Etihad Airways and
New York City FC’s sister clubs in City Football Group. These include Barclays
Premier League Champions, Manchester City Football Club, and Australia’s
A-League team, Melbourne City Football Club.

The deal with New
York City FC builds upon Etihad Airways’ position as official airline partner
of MLS which was announced in March this year.
This has seen the Etihad Airways logo and its messages beamed across LED
pitch-side advertising and on MLS digital platforms throughout the 2014 season.